Have you recognized November as Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month among medical professionals around the world? Find out how you can get involved in the global fight against cancer and help spread awareness about the dangerous condition.
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network was established in 1999 with the goal of bringing together Americans with pancreatic cancer in a national network. The Global Pancreatic Cancer Coalition was founded in 2016 by a number of its member countries. This was done to raise awareness of the deadly condition and help pancreatic cancer survivors.
November is recognized as “Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month” by medical experts, cancer research groups and health institutions around the world. On November 18, the medical community is coming together to raise awareness about pancreatic cancer, its signs and risks.
Why Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month is needed in India?
Pancreatic cancer is the fourth most common cancer in India and the 12th most common cancer overall, according to the ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research). Pancreatic cancer has an incidence of 0.5–2.4 per 100,000 men and 0.2–1.8 per 100,000 women in India. India has a modest incidence of the disease, but survival rates are appallingly low.
The fact that pancreatic cancer is a silent killer is one of the factors contributing to the low survival rate. Even when pancreatic cancer does show early symptoms, patients often mistake them for normal digestive problems. And before the patients notice a problem, the cancer has spread. Therefore, raising awareness of this condition and helping those with pancreatic cancer is extremely important.
What can you do to prevent pancreatic cancer?
If you are not a medical expert, that is acceptable. You can help spread awareness about Pancreatic Cancer as a responsible Indian citizen with a responsibility towards your fellow citizens. It is a good deed to help others avoid a deadly disease. Here’s how you can change things.
1. Awareness starts with you
Pancreatic cancer patients can be saved with early detection and prompt medical attention. Therefore, regular evaluation with a gastroenterologist is imperative. A surgical gastroenterologist will perform a physical exam to check for any gastrointestinal conditions and warning signs of pancreatic cancer. To confirm the presence of a pancreatic tumor, they may recommend several tests, such as a CT scan, an endoscopic ultrasound, and a biopsy.
2. You should get a second opinion
You have received a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Or maybe you know someone who has been told they have a tumor. Get a second opinion at all costs. Contact a pancreatic cancer specialist who has successfully treated many people with pancreatic cancer. It is important to seek professional advice and make well-informed decisions when it comes to cancer treatment.
See a gastrointestinal surgeon for a second look, and bring up clinical trials and studies with the doctor. It is only because of earlier clinical trials that today’s medical care is possible. Participating in clinical research can benefit you and other people with pancreatic cancer.
3. Start a discussion online
On November 18, 2021, wear purple and post your picture with the hashtags #PancreaticCancerWarenessMonth, #pancreaticcancer, #fightpancreaticcancer, and more. You can encourage others and give hope by sharing patient success stories.
Communicate with your online community and provide accurate information about the disease. You can discuss possible signs of the condition and upload articles about pancreatic cancer risk factors.
4. Take on the role of caregiver volunteer
As a certified volunteer caregiver, you can help a patient meet their needs. You will be able to give the patient the basic care and the patient’s family the basic direction they need. You can also educate the family about the risks of pancreatic cancer and spread awareness. To prevent the condition, encourage the patient’s family and those in your network to have regular medical examinations and tests.
In your spare time, you can create an online or offline support group and hold regular meetings to help pancreatic cancer survivors and their families. The quality of life of patients and their loved ones should be improved.
5. Give a gift
Giving money is a fantastic alternative, whether you’d rather help a friend or acquaintance, start a pancreatic cancer fundraiser or donate to a charity. It would be beneficial to conduct groundbreaking research, develop medical facilities and even offer patient support in India.
Make sure you choose to give money to a legitimate fund so that help reaches those who really need it.
Participate now!
We can beat this horrible disease by coming together to spread awareness about pancreatic cancer and support cancer patients. Participate in Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month and take responsibility to make India cancer free.